Ledger® Live:Desktop | Getting started with Ledger

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live is the official Ledger application for desktop that provides a single interface for adding, viewing, and controlling cryptocurrency accounts across many assets. It acts as a bridge between your hardware wallet and the blockchain: your private keys remain on the Ledger device while Ledger Live displays balances, shows transaction history, and enables secure signing of transactions.

Installing Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website only. Choose the installer for your operating system and follow the on-screen prompts. After installation, open Ledger Live and allow any recommended updates. If the app prompts for permissions (USB, filesystem), grant them so it can detect your Ledger device when connected.

Initial Setup & First Connection

When you first connect your Ledger device, Ledger Live will ask whether you already have a device or need to set up a new one. If you have a new device, you'll be guided through PIN creation and recovery phrase generation. If you already have a recovery phrase, choose "Restore device" and follow the secure on-device prompts. Never type your recovery phrase into a computer or share it.

Add & Manage Accounts

After device setup, use the "Manager" within Ledger Live to install the apps for each cryptocurrency you want to use. Once installed, add accounts for each asset. Ledger Live displays balances, pending transactions, and portfolio overviews. Regularly update the Ledger Live app and installed device firmware for the latest asset support and security improvements.

Sending and Receiving Crypto

To receive funds, copy the receive address from Ledger Live and verify the address on your physical Ledger device before sharing it. To send funds, create a send transaction in Ledger Live and confirm details (amount, fees, destination) on the device. The hardware wallet is the final authority: only transactions you physically approve on the device are signed.

Security Best Practices

Use a strong PIN on your Ledger device and keep the recovery sheet offline and stored safely. Enable passphrase features only if you understand them. Beware of phishing sites, suspicious emails, and fake Ledger apps. Always verify that you downloaded Ledger Live from ledger.com and that your device firmware is authentic. Consider using a hardware-secure environment for high-value holdings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If Ledger Live doesn't detect your device: try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device screen is unlocked, and confirm the latest firmware is installed. For transaction errors, check network fees and confirm that the blockchain is not experiencing delays. Use official Ledger support pages for recovery and device help.

Resources & Further Reading

Keep a bookmark for the official Ledger documentation and community channels. Recommended reading includes hardware wallet basics, passphrase tutorials, and how to verify firmware updates. Maintain a secure, offline backup of your recovery phrase and periodically review your device's security posture.

Conclusion — Next Steps

You should now be ready to install Ledger Live on desktop, set up or restore a Ledger device, add accounts, and complete your first transactions while following strong security practices. Take small steps: start with a test transfer before moving larger amounts. If anything seems unclear, consult official Ledger guides or seek help from verified support channels.

• Download Ledger Live from the official site
• Set up or restore your Ledger device (PIN + 24-word recovery)
• Install apps via Ledger Live Manager
• Add accounts for the assets you want to use
• Verify addresses on device before receiving
• Sign transactions on-device only
• Securely store your recovery phrase offline